:format(webp)/YXJ0aWNsZXMvaW1hZ2UvMjAyNS85LzIwMjUwOTI2LWdhZi11NTUtMTcyLmpwZw.webp?w=1920)
Russian Justice Ministry Equates Shahada With Justifying Terrorism
Russia's Ministry of Justice has labeled the Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, written on a car, as justification of terrorism. The decision was made during a criminal case, despite Shahada being a fundamental symbol of the Islamic faith.
The Russian Ministry of Justice has recognized the Islamic declaration of faith, known as the Shahada, when displayed as a car sticker, as justification for terrorism. This was revealed by lawyer Kaloy Akhilgov and the outlet Baza. According to the defense, the conclusion was made by the ministry’s expert center in the course of a criminal investigation, in which the accused has been in custody since September 2024.
Initially, the Moscow Research Center found no unlawful elements in the inscription, explaining that the Shahada is one of the pillars of Islam. However, the investigation insisted on a second expert review, which was conducted by the Ministry of Justice’s specialized center. That review concluded that the Shahada could be considered justification for terrorism.
The Shahada is the core formula of Islamic faith, declaring: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger." It is recited upon conversion to Islam and is used in many religious practices, including daily prayers (namaz) and the call to prayer (azan). It also appears as a decorative element in mosques, including officially registered religious institutions.
According to the lawyer, the case concerns a citizen who placed the Shahada on the rear window of his car. He noted that the inscription exactly matches the wording on the national flag of Saudi Arabia, where the Shahada is an official symbol. Nonetheless, the individual is being prosecuted under laws against justifying terrorism.
This case has raised concern among Muslim communities and human rights advocates, as it is reportedly the first time in Russian legal history that a fundamental Islamic symbol has been officially deemed potentially terroristic. Religious leaders and Islamic scholars have stressed that the Shahada is not a political slogan and contains no call to violence. It is a statement of faith integral to the religious identity of millions of people worldwide, including Russian citizens.
The Shahada is commonly found in mosques across Russia, including in Moscow’s Grand Mosque, which features it as part of its interior design. It also appears in religious educational materials and on walls or decorative elements in Islamic institutions.
Islamic scholars commented that banning the public display of the Shahada should not be seen as a tragedy. In their view, what matters most is internal adherence to the faith and its values. In Islam, the Shahada is believed to reside foremost in the heart and be affirmed through one’s actions.
Legal experts voiced concern that this interpretation could set a dangerous precedent, allowing other religious symbols to be criminalized. They emphasized the need for a clear boundary between religious practice and acts that genuinely fall under extremism or terrorism.
Lawyer Kaloy Akhilgov said the defense will seek a reassessment of the expert conclusion and argue that displaying the Shahada cannot be considered a criminal act. A motion will be filed to exclude the conclusion from the case, and an independent theological review will be requested.
The case has sparked widespread public reaction, especially amid debates on balancing state security with religious freedom. Leaders of different faiths have argued that any analysis of sacred texts must take theological context and respect for believers into account, warning that failure to do so may distort the essence of religious tenets and infringe on constitutional rights.
Do you have news that could become a sensation?
Or do you want to try yourself as an editor?
On altn.news , it's possible!
Share your materials, express your opinion, and test your skills as a journalist or editor.
It’s simple:
✅ Download the app:
✅ Register on the website.
✅ Create and publish your news.
Who knows, maybe your material will become the next big headline!
Start today on altn.news.
The editorial board is not responsible for the content and accuracy of material taken, sent or obtained from other sources. The publication of such materials is for informational purposes only and does not imply automatic endorsement or approval of their content.
